NATO welcomes new member, Sweden

On March 7, Sweden abandoned their neutrality in favor of their defense policies, spurring the decision to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The country had applied around 2 years ago, in May 2022; Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was the push that persuaded Sweden to join.

The country had a history of staying neutral, in particular during both World Wars. However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shaken the nation. In response, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson filed accession documents to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, where he received it in Washington, D.C. The documents are now stored in a vault at the State Department, NATO’s treaty depositary.

The Swedish Flag now waves high at the NATO Headquarters for the first time with its 31 allied flags, commemorating their membership. The ceremony played both the Swedish national anthem and the NATO hymn.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg states, “Every nation has the right to choose its own path. And we all choose the path of freedom and democracy. The brave people of Ukraine are fighting for these values as we speak. For 75 years, the transatlantic bond between Europe and North America has ensured our freedom and security. 

He continues, “As a friend and a Nordic neighbour, it gives me great pride that Sweden now joins us in this essential mission. Today as we raise the Swedish flag we stand together in unity and solidarity. Committed to protect and defend each other. All for one, and one for all.”

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization or NATO is to guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means (Taken from NATO’s Website). According to Britannica, it sought to create a counterweight to Soviet armies stationed in central and eastern Europe after World War II. 

NATO’s core motivations can be inferred in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, where members agree that, ‘An armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all; and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defense recognized by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area.’